"Since the results are out everyone may return for now, the Guardian Ninja equipment and the promised ninjutsu will be delivered shortly."
The Daimyo sat in the main seat, gently fanning himself as he spoke. His voice carried both authority and ease.
He clearly did not care what had happened with Sato, and no one present dared question Hayashi again. Whether the Konoha Ninja seemed overbearing or unreasonable, they had completely intimidated the entire assembly. Even those with hidden motives would not risk showing them now.
Then the Daimyo added quietly, "Hayashi, wait a moment, there is something else I wish to discuss with you."
This was unmistakable favoritism once more. It seemed the Daimyo truly intended to place the Konoha Ninja above the others.
Hayashi sighed lightly, bid farewell to Jikū, with whom he had gradually become familiar, and remained seated.
Only after most of the other ninja departed did the Daimyo stand and approach him.
"Konoha truly deserves its reputation as the strongest village of the Five Great Nations. This young lady… you are Young Miss of the Hyuga Clan, right? Your skills are truly remarkable. How is your father doing these days?"
"Thank you for your concern, Daimyo. My father is doing very well."
The Daimyo nodded with satisfaction.
After a round of polite conversation he invited them, "You all probably have not eaten yet, correct? Please join me for a simple meal."
"Thank you, Daimyo," Hayashi replied politely.
The Daimyo stood and left behind the main hall screen, leaving his adjutant to guide the group.
"Please follow me, esteemed ninja of Konoha, the Daimyo awaits in the side hall."
Led by the adjutant they passed through regal corridors and soon arrived. The Daimyo had changed his attire and was already seated. Beside him sat two children similar in age to Hayashi.
Once everyone was seated the Daimyo introduced them, "These are my children, Mitsuhide and Tamako."
Hayashi greeted them first, and both children politely stood and nodded in acknowledgment.
Attendants brought out dishes, and what followed was a meal of relaxed conversation. Thanks to the Chunin Exams there was no shortage of topics to discuss.
Moreover, Hayashi had lived two lifetimes and spent years under Orochimaru's tutelage, refining his conversational skills. He was composed, articulate, and socially adept beyond his years.
The Daimyo found him endlessly entertaining and grew even more fond of the young ninja. At several points he hinted that Hayashi might one day marry his daughter.
Marriage alliances between ninja and noble families were not uncommon, especially during turbulent periods. Yet was it not far too early to discuss such things at thirteen?
For reasons he could not fully grasp, Hayashi felt as though a pair of cold eyes constantly watched him. Whenever he glanced over, Himeji and Mikoto were quietly eating, paying him no attention.
Though he did not understand the full implications, he recognized the seriousness. Swiftly he declined, citing his age.
The Daimyo laughed heartily, "Yes, you are indeed young. We can revisit this in a few years, after all you are to serve as a Guardian Ninja here for many years."
"Mitsuhide, Tamako, in the afternoon take Hayashi and the others to tour the capital of the Land of Fire. As for Guardian Ninja duties… you may begin tomorrow."
"Understood, Father."
Mitsuhide had not yet spoken, but Tamako replied immediately, her cheeks flushed bright red.
Hayashi could not help but feel uneasy. Seriously, should he start planning a secret escape?
After the meal the group exited the Tenshukaku. Outside waited an unremarkable carriage, modest horses suitable for wealthy residents. Aside from two attentive and capable guards, everything appeared ordinary.
Yet once inside, the carriage was surprisingly elegant. The inner walls were lined with fine mahogany and at the center sat a Gilded Sandalwood censer with a Mutton‑Fat Jade base crafted in the Land of Artisans.
While traveling Mitsuhide suggested, "Shall we visit the festival?"
"A festival? Is there one happening now?" Hayashi asked.
Tamako's eyes sparkled, "Of course. To celebrate rain, sunshine, harvest… the Daimyo's residence holds a festival often."
"Thank you for the suggestion."
Mitsuhide shook his head, modest, "It is no trouble, a tradition passed down through our noble family to take guests to see the festival."
Everyone silently blinked.
So why did the Daimyo want his son close to the Konoha ninja? Perhaps he worried for his simple, earnest son.
Mitsuhide was exactly as he appeared—formal and sincere in every way. But was that enough to be a Daimyo?
Well… being a Daimyo was essentially a job where one ate, drank, and awaited the end anyway. Maybe anyone could do it.
Tamako was vibrant and energetic, the opposite of her brother. Yet her previously cultivated princess image had already faded.
Taking advantage of the quiet, Hayashi asked about Oda Ichi.
"Sister Ichi?" Tamako's expression shifted, and she whispered teasingly, "So you like that type, no wonder…"
Like your grandmother's leg! Hayashi rolled his eyes as the cold gaze he had felt earlier returned.
"I was merely asking if she has had contact with Konoha ninja."
"She is the Daimyo's chief of security, of course she has contact."
"What about personal relationships beyond that?"
Mitsuhide suddenly recalled something and added, "Sister Ichi used to say she learned her swordsmanship from the legendary White Fang. I don't know if that is true."
Hayashi was stunned, "If that is true… wouldn't that be a teacher‑student connection?"
He never expected Sakumo, with his thick eyebrows and honest face, to be that skilled. Then why could Kakashi not learn it? If he had mastered it, wouldn't the supporting character have won the heroine?
Afterward the carriage wound through many turns until they reached a crowded street.
"I want to eat Shaomai," Tamako declared as they disembarked and headed straight for a food stall.
"Alright," Mitsuhide agreed. "It is a tradition passed down to eat Shaomai at the festival."
He pulled out his wallet from his kimono.
Hayashi had wanted to eat too, having hardly eaten at the Daimyo's banquet while engrossed in conversation. But after hearing "a tradition passed down through the Daimyo's family" for the third time, he lost his appetite.
What nonsense was this? It was just eating Shaomai, with no need to preface it like a formal ritual.
"Hayashi, will you eat?" Mitsuhide asked kindly.
"Well…" Hayashi glanced at Mikoto and Himeji, who looked quite interested in the food, and nodded, "Then let us each have one."
"Alright." Mitsuhide nodded and told the stall owner, "Boss, five Shaomai, please."
The gentle stall owner smiled, "Lord Mitsuhide, are you visiting the festival with friends today?"
"Yes, they are esteemed guests from Konoha."
"Oh, so they are Konoha ninja. I did not know Mitsuhide had ninja friends."
"Yes, the Daimyo's family has had ninja as allies for generations."
…